NPR News Now Summary - April 26, 2025, 4 PM EDT

Farewell to Pope Francis in Rome

[00:33] Windsor Johnston opens the episode by reporting on the large-scale farewell ceremony for Pope Francis in Rome. The event saw world leaders, dignitaries, and hundreds of thousands of faithful converge in St. Peter's Square and the surrounding streets. The atmosphere was deeply emotional, with crowds clutching rosaries, holding photos of the pontiff, and displaying handwritten notes.

[01:09] NPR's Silvio Poggioli highlights Pope Francis's global influence, stating, “There was huge evidence of his global outreach here.” The mass was notably inclusive, featuring representatives from various world religions and incorporating readings in multiple languages, including Arabic, Polish, and Chinese. This multilingual approach underscored Pope Francis’s commitment to fostering international unity and understanding. Poggioli also notes the Pope’s extensive travels, having made numerous trips to Cuba, the United States, several African nations, and the Middle East, solidifying his role as a beloved and respected global figure.

Gaza Faces Severe Food Crisis Amid Blockade

[01:30] Windsor Johnston transitions to a dire situation in Gaza, where the price of food has skyrocketed by as much as 1,400%. This surge is attributed to Israel's blockade, which has restricted the entry of essential supplies into the Gaza Strip for two months, leading to acute shortages.

[01:48] Aya Batrawi from NPR details the escalating crisis, stating, “The UN World Food Program says it has no more stocks of food to support charity kitchens in Gaza.” These kitchens have been a lifeline for many, providing soupy beans that half of Gaza’s population has been relying on. However, with supplies dwindling, the UN Agency warns that these kitchens will soon run out of food. The situation is compounded by the shutdown of all bakeries in Gaza weeks ago due to the depletion of flour and cooking fuel.

Despite over 100,000 tons of food aid, medical supplies, and other life-saving resources being ready to enter Gaza, Israel has blocked their passage. The Israeli government justifies this blockade as a tactic to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli hostages. However, aid groups globally condemn Israel’s actions, arguing that they violate international law. The humanitarian toll is evident, with the health ministry in Gaza reporting the death of a young boy from hunger, adding to the 53 children who have died from malnutrition amidst the ongoing conflict.

Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Executive Order on Collective Bargaining

[02:33] Windsor Johnston reports on a significant legal development affecting federal employees. NPR’s Andrea Hsu explains that a federal judge has halted President Trump’s executive order aimed at ending collective bargaining rights for most federal employees.

[02:47] Andrea Hsu provides further insights, “The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents federal employees across several dozen agencies, argued that stripping federal workers of their collective bargaining rights had nothing to do with national security, but instead was punishment for the union's legal challenges to the president's actions, including his mass firings of employees.” U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman sided with the union, declaring the executive order unlawful and preventing federal agencies from implementing it. This decision temporarily preserves collective bargaining rights for union members at the affected agencies. Prior to the ruling, many agencies had already ceased allowing union dues to be deducted from employees’ paychecks, impacting the union's operational capabilities.

Trump Administration’s Energy Permitting Rules Encounter Delays

[03:29] Windsor Johnston shifts focus to the Trump administration’s efforts to expedite oil and gas drilling and mining through emergency permitting rules, part of a declared national energy emergency. However, NPR highlights that these initiatives are facing obstacles.

Despite the administration's push, developments in the energy sector are stalled due to ongoing trade wars and economic uncertainties. Federal land managers are in the process of drafting new rules aimed at fast-tracking various energy projects, including uranium mining, geothermal energy initiatives, and natural gas drilling. These delays reflect the complex interplay between government policies, international trade dynamics, and economic factors that influence the pace of energy development.

Swedish Moose Migration Captivates Global Audience Through Live Streaming

[04:12] NPR’s Ayanna Archie brings attention to a unique and captivating natural event in Sweden: the annual migration of moose. Each spring, hundreds of moose embark on a journey from their winter habitats to summer grounds near the Sweden-Norway border, seeking new food sources and ideal locations for raising their calves.

[04:12] Archie notes, “Since 2019, Swedish public broadcaster SVT has live-streamed the trip. More than 9 million people watched around the world last year, and viewership is expected to be even higher this year.” The live streams have become a global sensation, illustrating the rising popularity of the slow TV genre. Slow TV is characterized by its unedited, real-time coverage of events, allowing viewers to engage with routine or natural occurrences in a contemplative and immersive manner. The moose migration live stream exemplifies how traditional broadcasting can adapt to contemporary viewing preferences, attracting millions of viewers who appreciate the serene and authentic portrayal of nature’s rhythms.

Francis Ford Coppola to Receive AFI Lifetime Achievement Award

[04:52] Windsor Johnston concludes the news segment with a highlight from the entertainment industry. He announces that the American Film Institute (AFI) will honor director Francis Ford Coppola with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place tonight at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, where Coppola will be celebrated as the 50th recipient of this esteemed award. Coppola’s illustrious career, marked by iconic films such as The Godfather series and Apocalypse Now, has left an indelible mark on the film industry. This recognition by the AFI underscores his contributions to cinema and his enduring influence as a visionary director.

This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the NPR News Now episode released on April 26, 2025. It provides a comprehensive overview of each major topic covered, enriched with notable quotes and proper attributions, ensuring clarity and engagement for listeners who may not have tuned into the original broadcast.